AUGUSTA, Ga. - It's one of the most physically demanding jobs out there and they have openings.

Over the summer, the Augusta-Richmond County Fire Department will show trainees exactly what it takes to do the job.

"We definitely see some potential firefighters," said Chris James, Training Chief, Augusta-Richmond County Fire Department.

Chief James says it’s the beginning of one of the toughest job interviews any of the candidates will ever have and firefighters agree.

"You gotta be dedicated, you gotta want it,” said Rory Vaughn, Richmond County Firefighter. “When you're going though [physical training] everyday doing push-ups, lunges, and runs - [trainers] are on you all the time, so you gotta really want it."

Hundreds came out Wednesday to see if they could hack it with some of Richmond County's finest. They practiced skills like running a hose, ladder climbing and even using an ax, however, there are some things that take more than just skill; they take guts.

"They'll come out and see the aerial ladder in the air and they'll say, 'ok, I don't want to do that'," said Chief James.

The aerial ladder extends from one of the trucks more than six stories off the ground - those afraid of heights need not apply.

Mostly men showed up to the training, but there were a few women there, like Joan Bell. She proved she could keep up with the guys, even on some of the most intimidating obstacles.

"I think they're gonna give me a hard time, but I think I can deal with them,” Bell said sizing up some of the men.

Bell is trying to become a firefighter because she says the experience is unlike any other.

“I wanted to give back to the community and try to help rescue kids and people," she said.

The life of a firefighter is dangerous and can be overwhelmingly stressful at times.

The number one killer of firefighters is heart attacks.

Nearly 300 people will go through the training, but only 24 will be selected as Augusta's next firefighters.

"The best of the best, that's our objective, to put the best on the streets to protect the citizens of Augusta," says Chief James

The trainees will go through their physical agility test in a couple weeks. If they pass, they'll be one step closer to becoming the newest Richmond County Firefighters.

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